by W.F. Andelt and R.M. Case

Four species of pocket gophers are found in Colorado and distributed almost entirely in different areas (Figure 1), possibly because of different ecological requirements or competition. Plains pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius) are abundant in sandy and silty soils of the plains but are not abundant in compacted soils. The northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides) occurs in deep, sandy soils of the plains to shallow gravel in mountainous areas. It is the most common species in mountain rangelands and forests. The Botta’s (formerly called valley) pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae) is found primarily in well- developed soils of warm valleys in southern Colorado. The yellow-faced pocket gopher (Pappogeomys castanops) inhabits a portion of southeastern Colorado where the plains pocket gopher is found. However, the yellow-faced pocket gopher is confined to drier sites. Pocket gophers attain the highest densities on light-textured soils with good herbage production. Shallow soils limit pocket gophers due to tunnel cave-ins and poor insulation from warm summer and cold winter temperatures.

Distinguishing among the four species of pocket gophers in Colorado is moderately easy. The northern and Botta’s pocket gophers have smooth upper incisors with a single indistinct groove near the inner border and have smaller bodies and proportionately smaller front feet than the plains and yellow-faced pocket gophers. The northern pocket gopher usually is dark-colored with a whitish chin and belly whereas the Botta’s pocket gopher is often reddish-brown with a blackish chin and reddish belly. These two species are often difficult to tell apart. The plains pocket gopher has two distinct grooves on the front surface of each upper incisor whereas the yellow-faced pocket gopher has one distinct groove.

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